The Delhi government, under the BJP leadership, has launched comprehensive initiatives to combat pollution and waste management challenges in 2025. These efforts aim to improve air quality, manage waste effectively, and promote sustainable urban living in the national capital.
Air Pollution Mitigation Plan 2025
Delhi’s air quality worsens each winter due to multiple factors including vehicular emissions, construction dust, and stubble burning in neighbouring states. The government’s Air Pollution Mitigation Plan focuses on four key actions – planting 70 lakh saplings, cloud seeding to induce rainfall, promoting innovative pollution control technologies, and strict regulation of construction waste. Continuous monitoring through mobile monitoring stations (MRS) and anti-smog guns with water sprinklers are also deployed year-round to reduce particulate matter.
Waste Management Strategy
Delhi faces a long-standing waste crisis with approximately 80.59 lakh metric tonnes of garbage accumulated in landfills. The government has adopted a technology-driven, phased bio-mining approach to clear these waste mountains by 2028. Two bio-mining tenders covering 60 lakh tonnes are underway, with a third phase planned. Okhla’s waste plants prevent fresh garbage from reaching dumpsites. Methane capture pilots and strict source segregation enforcement are part of the sustainable waste management plan.
Addressing Stubble Burning
Stubble burning in neighbouring states worsens Delhi’s air pollution each year. The government promotes a bio-decomposer technology developed at Pusa Institute that converts crop residue into manure at low cost. Cooperation with neighbouring states and the Union government is emphasised to scale this technology. Financial incentives for farmers to avoid burning are also advocated.
Biomedical Waste Management
Delhi generates 40 tonnes of biomedical waste daily, which current facilities cannot fully process. New environment-friendly biomedical waste treatment plants are planned. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) is conducting studies to select suitable sites and technologies. These plants will comply with national emission standards and aim to reduce health risks linked to biomedical waste.
Combating Vehicular Pollution
Vehicular emissions remain a major pollution source. The government plans stricter Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate policies for vehicles registered outside Delhi. Expansion of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and public transport enhancement are priorities. A pilot to retrofit older diesel vehicles with catalytic converters aims to cut particulate emissions by over 70%. Innovative pollution-reducing devices for vehicles are also being tested.
End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) Management
ELVs pose environmental and health hazards if not disposed of properly. The government seeks to ensure safe recycling and disposal of private vehicles. Instead of relying solely on vehicle age, pollution levels will be assessed using technology. This balanced approach intends to protect public health while maintaining citizen convenience.
Promotion of Electric Vehicles and Sustainable Transport
Electric vehicle adoption in Delhi is low but growing. The government is expanding EV infrastructure and offering incentives to buyers. Hybrid vehicle promotion is also considered to reduce fuel consumption. Public transport is being strengthened with 800 new electric buses added and plans for 5,000 more by year-end. Real-time air quality monitoring supports these efforts.
Adoption of Advanced Waste Technologies
A recent study visit to Norway inspired plans to adapt European e-waste disposal technologies for Delhi. The city generates about 1.52 lakh metric tonnes of e-waste annually, posing serious environmental risks. The government has launched an ‘E-Waste Initiative’ focusing on formal collection, recycling infrastructure, and safe dismantling to prevent hazardous waste contamination.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically discuss the role of urban afforestation in improving air quality and its limitations in megacities like Delhi.
- Examine the impact of agricultural stubble burning on air pollution in urban centres and evaluate policy measures to mitigate it.
- Analyse the challenges of biomedical waste management in densely populated cities and the effectiveness of current regulatory frameworks.
- Estimate the potential benefits and challenges of widespread electric vehicle adoption in India’s metropolitan transport systems.
